Some new things are happening, and it's nothing to furrow your brows at. A novel fighter in the war against forehead wrinkles is about to come on the market. And studies are promising for a topical (read: CREAM) to treat forehead wrinkles.
There's Botox, there's Dysport, and now there's... Xeomin. It was approved by the FDA in July 2010 for the treatment of blepharospasm (eyelid spasm) and cervical dystonia, but hasn't received the approval for cosmetic use just yet. One of the main differences between Xeomin and the other two neurotoxins is that it's a "naked" toxin. This means it doesn't have any stabilizing proteins around the toxin molecule. Does this matter? Maybe, maybe not. On one hand, the less proteins, the less chance a person will develop antibodies that may make the treatment less effective. On the other hand, studies have shown that once the powder that the toxin comes in is mixed with saline to form a liquid, 85% of the proteins separate from the toxin (before it is even injected into the patient).
But this is America, and competition is always good. Once Xeomin receives it's cosmetic FDA approval, it will be a welcome addition to our tool box. But what about people that don't want injections? Is there an option for them, too?
Currently, phase 2 trials are being conducted where a neurotoxin gel called Revance is being applied to crow's feet, and the results are promising. In one of the studies, results lasted for 115 days. The current plan is for the gel to be applied in doctor's offices.
The great thing about medicine is that it's constantly changing. New products, new procedures, and new techniques are always emerging. We're getting closer and closer to outsmarting aging.
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